Freebies: The Pros and Cons of Getting Freebies from State Governments
You’ve heard it from every politician, from every political party and from every person who wants to get your vote: Vote for me, and I’ll give you some free stuff! These freebies can be anything from cash or charitable donations to subsidized transportation and lower tax bills. In fact, it seems like India is becoming an increasingly freebie-friendly country – if you’re the right kind of voter that is!
What are freebies?
Freebies are items that are given away for free, often as a marketing promotion. They can be physical items, like laptops or smartphones, or digital goods, like e-books or online courses. While freebies can be great, sometimes we can get habituated to getting free stuff and expect it all the time. For example, during election season, political parties will often give out freebies to secure the vote of the people. And in some countries, like Finland, the government gives a monthly allowance to unemployed citizens.
Why freebies are good
In India, freebies are seen as a way to help the less developed states and facilitate growth. They are also essential for fulfilling expectations and supporting education. The public distribution system in India is one of the largest in the world, making freebies an important part of the country's economy.
Why freebies can be bad?
While freebies may seem like a great way to get people what they want, there are actually a number of drawbacks to giving away free stuff. For one, it can be Macroeconomically Unstable, Impact on States’ Fiscal Situation, Against Free and Fair Elections, and A Step Away from the Environment. In some cases, freebies can even be bad for the environment.
How to make the most out of freebies?
Realizing the economic impacts of freebies, the state government has been trying to put a stop to it. However, this may not be the best solution. Freebies help the lesser developed states by providing them with resources they would not otherwise have access to. The supreme court has also referred to using the expertise of the Finance Commission in curbing the irrational poll freebies. However, there are still ways to make the most out of freebies.
In conclusion
This article is important for appsc Group 2 Exam because it offers a detailed look at the pros and cons of getting free stuff from political parties. It is important to be informed about the potential benefits and drawbacks of accepting freebies before making a decision.